REPORT FOLLOWING MEETING HELD ON 22/9/2009
The meeting was attended by 4 parish councillors, and 2 parishioners.
Police Matters – there had been no reported crimes in Moulton since the last meeting. However, a number of thefts from outbuildings had taken place in the district, and villagers were urged to be vigilant and secure outside property.
Planning – plans were considered for the removal of a Leylandii hedge and 1 Robinia tree at 1 Park Close; part retrospective application, erection of a smoking shelter, including replacement of some existing materials, Kings Head, Bridge Street; resubmission, the erection of first floor gable end extension to front, 26a The Street; and revision of planning permission, Moulton Stud. The changes were refinements to the original scheme – it was still planned to build 2 stable yards and 2 bungalows. Kennett Park – the amended plans for the erection of 92 homes had been approved, and preservation orders were to be placed on those trees considered worthy of protection. The owners of the employment land have applied for a deed of variation, in order to delay the building of the first business unit. Currently there is a requirement to construct a 1,000 square foot unit in the new business park prior to the occupation of 25% of the residential estate.
Village Hall – at the AGM, the Management Committee were supported by representatives of the user groups and villagers to proceed with the rebuilding project. Quotations from £423,000 to £467,000 had been received. Ed Chambers and Bill Rampling were to meet the builder with the lowest tender to clarify details of the specification, and to discuss any unidentified costs of build. The Parish Council were disappointed that the District Council had been unwilling to provide short term funding to bridge the shortfall on the redevelopment fund, until the Kennett Park community gain payment is received. Mr Melvyn Skelton had offered to approach the District Council to obtain a letter of understanding, so that there would be no confusion regarding the timing of the receipt of the Section 106 money. The Public Works Loan Board had subsequently indicated that they would be able to provide the required funding on more reasonable terms than the Council’s bankers, and Mr David Unwin had agreed to oversee the financial management of the project. It had been confirmed that provision of a one third capital grant had been allocated by the District Council, and now this would be formally requested, together with additional grant aid from various authorities, including the Suffolk Foundation (landfill grants), and the Football Foundation. It is hoped that the works can start early in 2010, and due to the concerns of representatives from user groups regarding the de-commissioning of the existing hall, the Chairman had agreed to look into the possibility of obtaining alternative accommodation during the rebuilding project.
Village Maintenance – new gutters had been fitted to the bus shelter and the phone box given a thorough clean, prior to repainting. The additional pedestrian gate had been installed in the perimeter fencing to the playing field. The ongoing problem of a minority of dog owners who were still allowing their pets to run loose and foul the play area was discussed; it was agreed that this was unacceptable and there would be serious repercussions for any owner who failed to act in a responsible manner. Dog fouling bags are available free of charge at the post office stores, and there are adequate facilities for their disposal. The licence for the Panthers Football Team was to be renewed. This season there were 2 teams – the Under 10’s and Under 8’s; home games and training would be on Saturdays – matches starting at 10.30am. Quotations were being sought for replacement swings for the play area, as those on the village hall car park would need to be removed at the start of build, and due to their age and condition would not be re-installed. The final cut of the river bank would be carried out shortly. A delivery of sand had now been supplied by the County Council representative, so that the Parish Council and villagers could use sandbags as a first response in the event of the river flooding.
County & District Council – it had now been agreed that the Highways Authority would give the Newmarket Road grass verge a special cut next spring from Lark Hill to Ashley Road, to increase the width and create a rural footpath which would connected with footpath No1. It was also hoped to improve the roadside verge along the B1085 to allow a safe route for pedestrians from Moulton End to the centre of the village. Bus Services – the new routing along the Dalham Road for Moulton bus services was now in operation, and villagers were making use of the extra services. The Environmental Services department at Forest Heath was currently focusing on fly-tipping, and officers were seeking to identify and prosecute offenders.
Village newsletter – Mr Tony Franklin has now taken over as editor, and the next edition is due out shortly. Volunteers are needed to help Tony run the newsletter.
ANNUAL REPORT – YEAR ENDING 31/3/2009
Councillors Bill Rampling (Chairman), Ron Wallwork (Vice Chairman), Dale Burch, Ed Chambers, Peter Collin, Bev Culloden, Douglas James, and Julian Webb were joined by Steve Shore in February 2009, who was co-opted following the resignation of John Mills.
The Parish Council has welcomed the regular presence of PC John Gowing, and the recently appointed Police Community Support Officer, Rebecca Simpson, who is now responsible for community liaison. John is staying in the area and working from Mildenhall Police Station with a wider responsibility, although he still hopes to visit Moulton. Lisa Chambers, Roger Dicker, County and District Council representatives, and John Englebright, Head Teacher of Moulton School, have attended meetings on a regular basis, and their support and input into village affairs are very much welcomed.
The Parish Council held eleven formal meetings during the year, and in addition, the Chairman, Clerk and Councillors have attended training courses, local council area meetings, regular District Council forums, and meetings with council officers to discuss specific concerns, including the parish boundary, site meetings and briefings on wider issues such as the local government review in Suffolk, and the District Council’s Local Development Framework. The Council continues to receive numerous consultation documents from Council and Government agencies on a variety of topics
PARISH BOUNDARY DISPUTE – in August the Council learnt that Kentford Parish Council had applied to have the boundary altered, which would have resulted in a substantial area of Moulton being removed from the parish. The consequences would have been considerable, not just in revenue terms, but also for the availability of affordable housing, Moulton’s sustainability as a ‘secondary village’, provision of community facilities and support of the Post Office Stores, as well as the loss of the historic and geographical links with Moulton End, and the area surrounding the Animal Health Trust. Over 60 residents and businesses, and the District Council’s legal team recommended that there should be no change to the existing boundary, and the District Council’s committee voted by a majority of 5 to 3 in favour of leaving the boundary where it is. The Parish Council is grateful for all the support of villagers, and respondents in the review area, who wrote in saying that they had strong links with the village and that the existing boundary was well established, and should not be altered. It is now important to move forward. The Parish Council will try to address any issues highlighted in the review, to encourage cohesiveness and strengthen ties with all parishioners.
VILLAGE HALL – due to the downturn in the building industry, the £100,000 shortfall in the village hall redevelopment fund, is unlikely to be secured in the near future by the proposed planning gain at the former Friskies site. In order to benefit from the one third funding already agreed by the District Council building must start this year, and to achieve this the Council is considering taking out a loan to meet the current deficit. An additional £10,000 raised per annum through the parish precept, would, at present, cost villagers approximately an extra 0.43p per week. Parishioners are therefore being asked to support the Council, so that building can finally get underway.
VILLAGE MAINTENANCE – thanks to Mr Douglas James, the parish continues to be maintained to an exceptionally high standard. Tenders were considered recently, following which the maintenance contract has been renewed with Packhorse Fencing for a further 3 years. The River Bank – as previously agreed with the Environment Agency, alternate river banks were cut twice last year, with a 30cm margin left at the water’s edge; in-channel weed cutting was also undertaken. Wayside Seats – a new seat was donated, and is located on the riverbank opposite the ford, and a bench on at the junction of Footpaths 7 & 8, by the stile. The Council appreciates these generous gifts, to be enjoyed villagers and visitors alike. Dog Fouling – continues to be a concern and owners are urged to be responsible and clear up after their dogs – poop bags are available free of charge from the Post Office Stores. To report dog fouling ring the District Council’s Environmental Services support team on 01638-719733. Use this number if you find a stray, or your own dog is lost (out of hours contact the local kennels on 07518 108764). Spring Clean 2009 – is fixed for Saturday 4th April - volunteers should meet up at the village hall at 10am. Reflective clothing, gloves and litter picks will be provided. Your help with this and other village clearance work throughout the year is very much appreciated. Tree planting scheme – has been initiated, and villagers are invited to sponsor or purchase a tree. 2 sycamore trees were felled on the playing field, and dead elms removed from the spinney on the edge of the village green. Undergrowth and ivy has also been cleared from the belt between the playing field and meadow.
RECREATION GROUND – the play area is inspected each week when minor repairs are dealt with. The equipment is also subject to an annual safety audit. The gaps in the safety surfacing are filled on a regular basis. The Panthers football club use the ground for weekly training sessions and Saturday league games for the under 9's. The playing field has been hired on several occasions for private events (exclusive use cannot be sanctioned): the village hall must be hired at the same time, so that a full range of facilities is available.
HIGHWAY MATTERS – at last the Parish Council has been successful in persuading County Council to salt the Suffolk section of the C653 (Newmarket Road) at the onset of sub zero temperatures, the metal bridge at the end of the Church Road was finally repainted last year, and the footway outside French Hall bungalow has recently been resurfaced. Pot holes are an on-going problem, but many have now been temporarily filled. The summer surface dressing at Lark Hill was not successful, and the contractors have been asked to rectify this. Repairs are planned to the broken section of highway by Packhorse End, Bridge Street, outside Trinity Hall Farm and to the passing areas on School Road. The County Council representative has asked the Highways Authority to re-consider upgrading the Newmarket Road to category B.
PLANNING MATTERS – over 25 planning applications have been scrutinised, and comments passed to the District Council where necessary. The Forward Planning Manager has been asked to give an assurance that the historic and geographical boundary of Moulton, including the former Friskies site, Lanwades Business Park, and Boat Meadow is clearly defined, as parishioners wish to be consulted and involved in development and planning issues for the entire parish, not just the centre of Moulton, as detailed in the 2006 Local Development Framework draft plans.
CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL – this has now been formally adopted and the recommendations will help to protect the village against future unsuitable planning and development proposals.
BUS SERVICES – the 311 Newmarket/Bury service has been re-routed and now stops at St Peters Avenue at 8.56am, and returns at 12.32pm. The bus shelters continue to be maintained by the Council, and are cleaned regularly.
Countryside Access Scheme – it is hoped to make a rural footpath along the Newmarket Road verge to connect with Footpath No 1, and an assessable route along the grass verge from Moulton end to the village. Street Lighting – the County Council has warned that the Parish could be faced with a bill in excess of £30,000 to comply with recently changed regulations, following privatisation of the industry, for the maintenance of lighting units in close proximity to high voltage wires. As this is a national issue the Parish Council are of the view that any costs should be met by the County and not passed down to individual parishes.
FINANCE - the annual precept for 2009/2010 remains at £26,864. The following grants were made in 2008/2009:- Churchyard Maintenance £1,000, Village Hall Maintenance £1,000, Newmarket Day Centre £200, Magpas £100, Village Archivist £100, Moulton Newsletter (production and printing costs) £782.50, Royal British Legion £25, School Prize for Citizenship £25, Moulton Fun Day £400 (event insurance).
VILLAGE WEBSITE – www.moultonsuffolk.co.uk – this provides local information and links to other village sites and links to the Parish Council’s website www.moultonpc.ukonline.co.uk which gives contact points, the latest agenda prior to a meeting, the last set of approved minutes, and the most recent set of approved accounts
MOULTON NEWS – this excellent village newsletter is now published four times a year by the Editor Jennie Wallis – 07768 043135, email moultonnews@aol.com. Articles and photos are always welcome. Contact Jennie for further details and information on adverting.